Liverpool are on the lookout for a new number nine this summer as they hope to continue an age-old tradition at Anfield.
The Reds have had some sensational goalscorers down the years and are searching for the next heir to the throne.
Darwin Nunez was supposed to be the answer, but the No. 9 shirt has weighed a little too heavy on the Uruguayan’s shoulders.
As a result, Liverpool need something different. Alexander Isak is the dream target and the Swede would be a fitting choice should he arrive.
If he does, then Isak has plenty of brilliant examples to look up to. Perhaps the best of these is Robbie Fowler, who was one of the most prolific centre-forwards in Liverpool history.
But despite scoring 183 goals in 369 games for the Reds, former teammate Emile Heskey has claimed that Fowler continues to be underrated.
Robbie Fowler celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against West Ham United at Anfield.
3 Feb 2001: Robbie Fowler of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the third goal during the Liverpool v West Ham United FA Carling Premiership match at Anfield, Liverpool. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill/ALLSPORT
Emile Heskey in awe of ‘ridiculous’ Robbie Fowler
How Arne Slot would love to have a scorer of Fowler’s prowess within the Liverpool squad.
A finisher of the purest sense, the Scouser was absolutely lethal in the penalty box. Liverpool just do not have that at the moment.
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Having played with Fowler for almost two years at Anfield, Heskey knew just how good the England international was. But when asked to describe his former teammate on the More Than A Match podcast, he claimed that the Liverpool academy graduate does not get enough praise.
“[He was] unbelievable,” Heskey answered. “D’you know, I don’t think we give him as much credit as we should. I’ve heard Andy Cole talk about his finishing as well and that’s one the best strikers to ever be in the Premier League. He was ridiculous.”
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“I’d say, ‘where d’you want that?’ ‘Tell you what, put it there’. Bang. Every single one.
“These players have a knack of understanding where to be. Everyone can be in the box, but how do you make space, how do you know where it’s going to drop and what type of finish to finish with. He had everything.
“You’re talking about someone who scored a lot of headers as well, and he’s not even that tall.”
Where does Fowler rank in all-time greats?
Heskey is undoubtedly right about Fowler. Although he put up some ridiculous scoring numbers, especially as a young player, his brilliance appears to have been largely forgotten for the outside world.
Rank Player Appearances Goals
1 Ian Rush 660 346
2 Roger Hunt 492 285
3 Mohamed Salah 401 245
4 Gordon Hodgson 377 241
5 Billy Liddell 534 228
6 Steven Gerrard 710 186
7 Robbie Fowler 369 183
8 Kenny Dalglish 515 172
One place where Fowler is still very much appreciated, however, is at Liverpool, where he remains one of the best to ever pull on the shirt.
In terms of goalscoring, Fowler currently sits in seventh place in the all-time top scorers list, sandwiched between arguably the two greatest players the club has ever seen: Steven Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish.
While Fowler may not quite sit with those two giants of Liverpool Football Club, he is certainly in the rung of players just below.
Perhaps it’s time a little more respect was put on his name.